For Immediate Release

May 26, 1999

Contact: Amy Y. Cody

503/986-1524

Senate Committee Approves Centralized Voter Registration

HB 2001 Heads to Ways and Means Committee

Salem * HB 2001 was passed by the Senate Rules and Elections Committee today following special testimony from the Secretary of State's office which reiterated the need for and the importance of a centralized voter registration system in Oregon.

Glenn Newkirk, a nationally known expert on centralized voter registration systems, appeared before the Senate Rules and Elections Committee to testify on House Bill 2001, which contains a $5.9 million proposal for centralized voter registration [CVR].

Citing a report his company, InfoSentry Services, Inc., completed for the Secretary's office in March, Mr. Newkirk emphasized the advantages of establishing a CVR system. "The advantages of the system far outweigh the initial costs. A centralized system will boost voter confidence by increasing the accuracy of voter files, reduce the potential for voters to register in more than one county, and, in the long term, provide a more efficient means for handling the business of voter registration," said Newkirk.

Currently, Oregon's voter records are maintained in 36 separate and distinct county databases. Comparing records between counties is difficult and not possible in real time. A central system would help county clerks to ensure the accuracy of voter information and decrease the potential for duplicate registration statewide.

The study describes five options for implementing a centralized registration system and concludes that the best option for Oregon is one that, "*creates a uniform, stable data communications network [and] that offers the counties the option of keeping their current systems or using a state-provided system." According to the report, the one-time cost of implementing such a system is estimated at $5.9 million.

Secretary of State Phil Keisling acknowledged the challenge of full funding for Oregon centralized voter registration in the current fiscal climate, but is optimistic given the considerable interest of legislators in a centralized system. He noted in particular that the primary sponsor of HB 2001 is House Speaker Lynn Snodgrass.

Keisling first advocated for centralized voter registration in 1993 (SB 979) and has continued to do so each subsequent session, including 1999 (HB 2210). Said Keisling, "To establish a centralized voter registration system is nothing less than a prudent investment in Oregon's future. Adopting HB 2001 this session will bolster voting integrity as we head into the 21st century."

House Bill 2001 now moves to the Ways and Means Committee for a second hearing.

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The original of this new release was posted on the Oregon Secretary of State's web site on May 26, 1999 at http://www.state.or.us